Allotments 4 All

Hi all

My neighbour has just harvested his blackberries and given me some prunings to take cuttings from.  I have read in a book that propagation should be done in October, so would I be wasting my time doing it now. Also it says that sand should be put in the bottom of the hole. Is this essential or would just putting the cutting into the ground be ok. The soil is well drained so the cutting shouldn't rot?

Many thanks, Steve

Hi Steve

Blackcurrant cuttings root very easily from Hardwood which would typically be later in the year but to be honest as long as thye are fairly twiggy now I think you should be fine. 

I just stick em in and forget about them and they always strike even in my clay soil so I wouldnt worry too much about preperation.

RBT.

Thanks for the advice. Have now stuck them in the ground and have got my fingers crossed.

Steve

I just put the blackcurrent cuttings in a bucket of water they root all by them selves redcurrant is the same.

Hi Steve,

I put hardwood blackcurrant sticks about 15"  (too old to be metric!) straight into a recently dug area last May, and let them take their chances.

I suppose it depends on your soil - ours here in Norfolk is fairly good, and I had dug in plenty of manure in Winter 2006.

13 out of 16 are now realy healthy young bushes, and 9 have lots of fruit on them this summer, so give it a try. 


Good Luck!   :)